The Weekly News and Visitors' Chronicle for Colwyn Bay Colwyn Llandrillo Conway Deganwy and Neighbourhood

COLWYN BAY. DENBIGH, FLINT, AND MERIONETH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.—It has been decided to hold this Asso- ciation's annual meetings at Colwyn Bay, on June 8th, 9th, and 10th next. A FORTHCOMING GRAND CONCERT AT COLWYN. -At 7.0 o'clock on Wednesday evening, February 5th, Mr E. Lloyd Lewis (of Colwyn Ba.y) will take the chair at the Assembly Rooms, Colwyn, on the occasion of a. grand concert in aid of the Welsh Baptist Cause. In the midst of a perfect galaxy of vocal stars," Messrs R. Cefni Jones and Jonah W. Owen (Llan- beris), and "Megan Llechid" (Bethesda), are an. nounced as artistes. THE GOVERNMENT AND THE EDUCATIONAL QUESTION.—A public meeting will be held, at the Public Hall, Culwyn Bay, on Wednesday, February 5th, when addresses will he delivered by Mr J. Herbert Roberts, M.P., and Mr A. C. Humphreys-Owen, M.P., on the Government and the Educational Ques- tion, and also on Armenian Atrocities." Alderman Thomas Parry, J. P., will take the chair at 7 30 p.m. G. F. S. COiCERT.-At the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday evening, January 15th, the Members and Associates of the Girls' Friendly Society, held their annual concert. The Vicar (Rev J. Griffiths), who presided, in his opening remarks dwelt upon the principles and objects of the Society. The following was the programme :—Pianoforte duett, Maggie and Katie Evans; song, "Three fishers went Sailing," Elizabeth Hughes recitation, Won't yoa," Sarah Jones dialogue, A Quiet Cup of Tea," Lily Jones, Sarah Roberts, Elizabeth Hughes, Lilian Evans, and M tggie Davies, taking various characters; song, White Blossoms," Elizabeth Price recitation, "Grandmother's World," Elizabeth Davies; song, Fairy Land," Mtria Hughes, Nellie Williams, Elizabeth Rowlands, and Maggie Edwards; song, Little Sisters gone to sleep," Maria Hughes, Mig- gie Evans, and Lizzie Rowlands; song, "Remember and Forget," Annie Jones recitation, "Tne Crippled Boy," Maggie Evans; song, ''Two points of view," G. F. S. Candidates; recitation, A Young Seam- stress," Lizzie Bernard; song, "Sweet Mtrie," Eliza Davies; recitation, "Old Father William," Edith Davies; song, "Good Night," G. F. S. Mem- bers finale, God Save the Queen." The Vic ir proposed a vote of thanks to the Associates (Mrs Pryce Jones, Miss F. Wilks, Miss Ellis -Tones, Miss Lloyd, and Miss Squires), for their labour in training the candidates to give such a satisfactory perfor* mance. The Rev T. H. Vaughan (R!.yl) seconded the motion.—Mrs Pryce Jones and Miss Wilks gave valuable service as accompanists. POSTMEN'S ANNUAL SUPPER.-At the ninth annual supper of the local postal employes, held at Mr Eaton's Restaurant, about 22 of the staff Sit down to an excellent supper, ably catered by Mr. Eaton, the menu being most recherche. The presidential chair was occupied by Mr. Jones (Postmaster), the vice- chair being in the safe-keeping of Mr. Jones (sub- postmaster of the Abergele-road Post-office). After the cloths had been removed, the president proposed the toast to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, and the rest of the Royal Family," and this was drunk with the usual honours. The toast of the Postmaster General having been drunk with musical honours, and other toasts having been proposed a.nd heartily received, a musical melange was held, several of the staff taking part; Mr. Evan Roberts's song, Kissymee Kassymee Koo," took immensely, Mr. R. D. Hughes presided at the organ. Having thus enjoyed themselves, recreation games were heartily entered-into, a great variety incluling "shampoo" snip, snap, snorum," draughts, dominoes, etc and it was refreshing to see the hard-worked pnstmen enjoying themselves as they were. Mr. Roberts was most amusing in his Tri gelarch gydai gilydd." Mr W. O. Roberts, who possesses a capital voice, render- ed a song in true artistic style. Mr. G. Morgan excelled in '• Hen ffon fy nain." The next song was rendered with much taste by Mr. W. O. Roberts. Messrs J. Williams and R. D. Hughes took pirt in a duett. Next came a chorus by the Postal Choir. After the toast ot the subscribers, Mr. Evan Roberts sang '• Kooda Mooda," and, in response to an encore, Cael mil o soldiwrs Cymru." Mr. W. O. Roberts gave a capital rendering of Llythyr fy mam." and Parcels Post was admirably rendered by Mr. W Lloyd Evans. Mr. T. W. Whitley sang "Cock Robin." The toast of the president, was proposed by the vice-president and drunk with musical honours. lr. T, ù. Roberts proposed the toastof the vice-president, and this was also musically honoured. Mr. W. Lloyd Evans proposed the health of the ladies, and this was responded-to (on behalf of the lidies) by Mr. T. 0. Roberts. The toast to "Mine Host" was then proposed by Mr. T. Whitley, and was drunk with musical honours, and Mr. Eaton, in a brief address, responded. Mr. W. 0. Roberts sang Mor anwyl yw 111am," and was w irmly applauded, after which the ninth annual supper of the Colwyn Bay Postal Employes was successfully carried-through, terminat- ing with the French National Air, L- Marseillaise (Mr. W. Lloyd Evans); Welsh National Air (the company); and the English National Hymn, God Save the Queen (the company). And. while stand- ing, each one linked with each other, all sang "AuU Lang Syne." A most pleasant evening was spent. DERBY DOG SHOW.-At the Derby Dog Show. last week, Mr. J. M. Porter's cocker spaniel" Braeside Bustle" took 3rd prize in the limit class, 3rd prize open class (Cockers), and 2nd prize in the open class for Spaniels (any variety). FINED FOR TAKING HOLLY.-At the Colwyn Bay Police Court on January 11th, before the Rav. W. V enables- Williams and other magistrates, William Parry, of Rose-cottage, Sea-view Terrace, Colwyn Bay, was charged, by the Colwyn Bay and Pwllycrochan Estate Company, with taking holly from the Woods. Mr Amphlett (Messrs Wm. Jones, Porter, and Amphlett) prosecuted, and the defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined (at Mr. Amphlett'a request) the merely nominal penalty of Is. and osts, both the Csairman and Mr. A. 0. Walker expressing a strong feeling that the privilege of passing through the Woods should not be abused. It was understood that future offenders would be much more severely dealt- with. THE FOURTH WINTER CONCERT.—The fourth Winter Concert was held, on Tuesday evening, Jan- uary 21st, at the Public Hall, which was filled. The first part of the programme opened with the anthem Enaid on, mae dyfroedd oerion," by the Colwyn Bay Choral Society ..(conductor, Mr J. Llewelyn Roberts), and this was followed by Cantor's Quartette On the Banks of Allan Water," in which the Bangor Cathedral Quartette Party made their debut, and scored a grand success, receiving an imperative en- core, in response to which they reappeared and sang another fitting piece. Mr Fred W. Norcup gave a fine and careful rendition of Valentine Hall's "Temple of Light and gained a full share of the plaudits of the audience. Professor Weber, of Liverpool, fol- lowed his" eggstract "-ordinary tricks entitled magic, in which eggs were made to appear and disap- pear at the will of Professor Weber,—showing How it is possible to eoonomise." The next two items were the New Parcels Post and a magic trans- formation, whereby a cigar was found to contain a lost card. The next item was the Mysterious Coin the last being All's well that ends well," by which the audience were highly amused. The Pro- fessor, on leaving the platform, was enthusiastically applauded. The Bangor Quartette then sang Macken- zie's "A Franklin's Doggo" in such a manner as licited for them a rapturous encore, to which, how- ver, they did not respond. The second part of the programme, opened with The Bleagured," by the Bangor Cathedral Quartette. In Jude's The Skipper," Mr Charles James scored a success. The Bangor Quartette rext made their appearance in a plantation-song, with a vocalised accompaniment such as which we never before had the pleasure of hearing at Colwyn Bay, but, the loud laughter of the audience spoilt the effect, which (if the ill-timed merriment had been subdued, would have been heard by all; for a better imitation of tin banjo accompanist had never been heard in the Bay, it was simply perfect, and, during the second appearance, we ought (in all fair- ness) to say tnat the audience were as silent as mice, and the rendering was most complete. Professor Weber appeared with his family of Merry Folks, and entertained the audience with his ventriloquial powers, which were fully appreciated by the audience. The Colwyn Bay Choral Society next appeared, and gave a fine rendering of Tanymarian's anthem Cyf- odwn ac Esgynwn i Seion," the concert terminating with the English National Anthem. A TRIPLE BEREAVEMENT.—Seldom does any family meet with such an awful and multiplied bereavement as the folloing:-On the 10th December, Miss J. E. Hughes (sister of Mr John Hughes. J.P., Portdinorwic, and Mr Thomas Hughes, Manager of the North and South Wales Bank, Carnarvon), was seized with iliness, and was visited by her three sisters, Mrs Thomas, the wife of the Rev W. Thomas, Pwllheli; Mrs Jones, Rock Ferry; and Mrs Lloyd, Colwyn Bay. Miss Hughes died on the 22nd of the same moni h. On the 20th of December Mrs Jones had an attack of erysipelas, and died on the 8th January; and on the 23rd December, Mrs Lloyd became bedridden with an accute attack of pneumonia, and she also died on the 3rd January. The three deaths occurred within 17 days, at the residence of Mr T. Hughes, Portdinorwic. Profound sympathy is felt with the family. A SHOCKING DISCOVERY NEAR COLWYN BAY. -Late on Friday afternoon, January 17th, the Piermaster at Rhos-on-Sea, near Colwyn Bay, discovered a body entangled in the Royal Fishing Weir close by. The corpse was found to be in an advanced state of decomposition, and is supposed to have been in the water about three or four months. There was absolutely nothing whereby any clue to identity might be formed, and the only indication of the sex of the body was the adhering portions of a corset and a chemise. The height of the deceased, who apparently was rather inclined to stoutness, was about 5ft. 4in.-At the inquest held, by the Denbighshire Coroner (Dr Hughes), at the Blue Bell Hotel, Rhos-on-Sea, on the Monday following the discovery of the body, a verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.—The remains have been accorded Christian burial in Llandrillo-yn-Rhos Churchyard. ST CATHERINE'S COMPETITIVE MEETING,COLWVN. The following is a list of those who have entered for the mus:cal portion of the competitive meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 29th. 1896, at the Assembly Rooms, Colwyn. Soprano solo: Lily, A.E., Olwen. Contralto solo: Myfanwy, Matilda, Louisa, Gladys, Minnie, Merch o Feirion. Duett (soprano and contralto): Dau o'r Dyffryn, A. and B., Lily and May. Tenor solo W.R.W., Ogwen, Ap Colwyn, Ap Tomos, Colwynfab, lorwerth. Duett, (tenor and bass) Dau Gefnder. Baritone solo: Cyfaill, Iolo, loan, Prysor. Quartett W. B. J. and Party, Primo Quartett Party, E. C. G. and Party. Hymn solo for children Caradoc, Howell, Boadicea, Mair, lorwerth. On the supplementary subject, the hymn-tune "Cynddelw," five parties had already entered on the morning of Wednesday, although the entries had not yet closed. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION (COOKERY CLASSES). -In connexion with the Technical Instruction Classes, Cookery Classes will be commenced at the Public tIall, Colwyn Bay; and at the Assembly Rooms, Colwyn,-on Tuesday, February nth, the teacher being Miss Fraser (of Denbigh), a Certificated Teacher of Cookery from the National Training School, London. As the classes are intended for everyone, and especially for those for whom technical instruction is principally designed, the Committee would be glad if ladies would take an interest in the classes, and so bring about the thorough success that all would like to see the classes achieve. The fee is one shilling, for the entire course of fourteen lessons. COLWYN BAY DISTRICT COUNCIL. SPECIAL MEETING. At a special meeting, at Colwyn Bay, on Tuesday, January 21st, the Chairman (Rev Thomas Parry) presided. and there were also present Mr John Roberts, the Rev VV. Venables- Williains, and Messrs John Porter, George Bevan, Owen Williams, Hugh Hughes, Robert Evans, and William Davies. Mr Amphlett was present as Clerk, and the Surveyor (Mr William Jones, A.M.I.C. E.) was also in attendance. THE GAS COMPANY'S PARLIAMENTARY BILL. Mr Amphlett read a letter from Mr Ball (Parliamentary Agent), in reference to a letter sent to that gentleman, con- taining a resolution the Council had passed on the subject of the Gas Company's Bill. Referring to the Council's observa- tions on Clause 27 in the Bill, Mr Ball said that the Clause was of the form usual in all Gas Acts. and 7 per cent. was reserved in the Gas Clauses Acts whether it was put in the Bill or not. The Council's observations on Clause 46 appeared to hive been made under a misapprehension, as the Clause referred exclusively to meetings held after the passing of the Act; 96 was a clerical error, and should read 97. Clause 63 appeared in the Model Form settled by Parliament for all Gas Bills, where the sliding scale is invariably required to be adopted, and was for the benefit of the consumer. With regard to Clause 70, Mr Ball observed, from Mr Linekar's letter, that the Gas Directors had no objection to increase the standard of illuminating power from 15 to 16. That was an important concession, but it should be made entirely on the understanding that there should be no opposition to the Bill. —Mr Amphlett also read a communication from Mr Newbiggin, who said that, with regard to Clause 27, Mr Ball's reply truly explained the effect of it. It was in the recognised form adopted in all Acts. Mr Ball's answer also cleared up the intention of Clause 46. Clause 63 was more in the interests of the consumer than of the Company, and makes the consumer a participator in the success of the Company. With reg?rd to Clause 70, regret was expressed that the Council should have asked for an increase of the illuminating power from IS to 16, as, shouid the Council purchase the works at any time, they would be saddled with the onus of having to supply gas of 16 nstead of 15 illuminating power. Now that 16 candles had been made the standard, the illumina- ting power would have to be kept at 17 or I7. and that could only be done by the use of better coal or by the addition of cannel to a considerable extent. It he (Mr Newbiggin) might advise the Council, he would say let the standard remain at 15, which was the standard adopted by most gas-producers in the country. The concession made should be made on the clear understanding that the Council offer no opposition to the Bill. The Chairman said that the question was whether the Council agreed to the Bill for 15, or shall they stick to the 16. The Company had agreed to insert a Clause fixing the standard of illumination at 16 instead of 15. Mr John Roberts, in view of the statement in the letter, proposed, Mr Robert Evans seconded, and it was carried, that 15 be adhered to as the standard. The Chairman: Clause 69 should be looked to. Where shall we test the gas? Mr Bevan: Can't we have the testing instrument in our own office ? The Surveyor Yes, and it would be an ornament to the place. On the motion of Mr Robert Evans, seconded by Mr Bevan, it was decided that the tester should be brought from the Gas Works and be placed in the Council's office. After this had been passed, Mr John Roberts said that it seemed to him that the test-place should be on the main, and asked whether a kind of hut could not be put up for that purpose. Some discussion ensued, in the course of which it was stated that the Gas Company could not afford to place another tester at the Municipal Offices. The one they had at the works had cost them £120. What they had offered to do was to place that one in the Council's office. Mr Robert Evans If the Gas Company will not put another machine here, I will withdraw my resolution. The Chairman thought that they could rely on the Company supplying a proper pressure of gas. Proceeding, he proposed that a new agreement be made with the Gas Company. It was very important that the place should be lit earlier, and remain lighted later (say after I I o'clock), and, as the Gas Company had reduced the price of gas, they should be asked to reduce the price for each lamp. He was quite convinced that they would have either to increase the number of burners on each lamp or increase the number of lamps, as the streets in some places, and especially at crossings, were inadequately lighted at present. lHear. hear]. He begged to propose that the Gas Company be asked to reduce their price for each lamp, and make another agreement for three or four years. The Rev Ve-iables- Williams: The present arrangement is that the existing agreement is to go on till the 1st ot May ? The Clerk: Pending arrangements. The Chairman Also, I object to the Council doing the lighting. The whole responsibility ought to be placed on the shoulders of one body,—either the Gas Company or the Council. In conclusion, the Chairman said that he would add that to his proposition. Mr John Robarts seconded the Chairman's motion. Mr Bevan How will that resolution apply if we get a public meeting at once, and decide to buy the Gas Works ? The Clerk That will end the whole thing at once. Mr Bevan: We are under a promise to the Gas Company to get the opinion of the ratepayers on this question, and I think the least the Council can do is to put the question to the town at once- My own opinion is, that the Board should proceed with the negotiations for purchase at once. The Clerk: You would have to have a Provisional Order. Mr Bevan Well, if we don't get the ratepayers' sanction, we can't move. The motion. on being then put, was carried nem. con. Mr John Roberts said that he had full confidence in their Clerk, who had already informed them that they coald get no more by opposing the Bill than the G is Company had already conceded to them. As to purchasing the Gas Works, he confessed himself ignorant on many points, and he should not like to see the Council too hasty in buying. Mr Bevan pointed out that the Company were putting a lot of fresh capital into their undertaking. The Council were in a position to borrow at 3% per cent, money wherewith to buy up the Gas Works as it stood. But, if they waited and allowed the shareholders to put more money into the concern, they would have to buy it at a higher price. Llandudno bought their Gas Works, and they hsd to buy the old share- holders out at a price in Government securities that would return to them the same rate of interest as they were getting from the Gas Works, and Llandudno had to pay tor its Gas Works at the rate Of,63- for every £ 200. He was certain the same kind of thing would happen at Colwyn Bay. There was no doubt at all that in the future the Colwyn Bay Gas Works would be an increasingly prosperous concern. He spoke entirely in the interests of the ratepayers, for he had not a penny in the Gas Works, and would not have. for he had none to put in. If they bought the Gas Works now (before fresh capital was put in), they could buy .£ 100 for £ 100, but, if they waited for five years, when the fresh capital might be returning 5 per cent. in interest, they would have to pay £ 250 for every £ 100. Mr John Roberts would like to obtain the services of a competent Gas Engineer to advise the Council as to whether it would be better to purchase now or five years hence, Mr W. Davies opposed the idea of purchasing the Gas Works. Mr Robert Evans said that he had been himself against purchasing the Gas Works, but the more he thought about it, the more he thought that it would be better for the Council to buy the Works. Although he had been very strong with his friend Mr Davies against buying the Works, he had come, now, to the conclusion that the sooner the better the Council bought them tor the benefit of the ratepayers. But he should he glad if the Directors would give them a price, and, if they did, he should at once move that the Council purchase the Works. The Chairman: I don't think they will do that. Mr Robert Evans said that, inasmuch as they would have to go before the ratepayers before they could buy, they should have some estimate of the cost to place before them. The sooner the better they had a public meeting to discuss the question. The Rev W. Venables-Willams expressed the same view. Mr John Roberts thought that, before they went before the ratepayers, they should get the opinion of a first-rate gas-expert as to the value of the Works. Mr Bevan said that that was a first-rate suggestion. Mr Roberts then proposed, Mr Bevan seconded, and the meeting resolved, to engage a competent person to advise the Council on the purchase ot the Gas Works. On the motion of Mr Robert Evans, seconded by Mr John Roberts, it was decided to ask Mr Hepworth, Gas Engineer, Glasgow, his terms for such advice. Mr Bevan: I suppose we may rely on the Gas Company affording this gentleman every facility. Mr Porter and the Rev Venables-Williams: Oh, certainly. Mr Bevan then proposed that, inasmuch as the Gas Company have agreed to the alterations in their Act, that we require that this Council Will offer no opposition to the passing ot the Act." The Clerk: It should read "that provided the suggestions resolved upon by the Council be carried out and incorporated in the Bill to be promoted by the Gas Company, the Council will allow the Bill to pass unopposed." The Chairman: Anyone second it ? No one seconds it, therefore it falls to the ground. The Rev Venables-Williams: Well, if it is not passed, it leaves the Gas Company in a position to do what they please ? )d The Chairman Nobody seconds Mr Bevan. Mr Bevan: Then our agreement with the Gas Company falls to the ground. The Chairman: No. Mr Porter: Yes. Mr Bevan Yes. But, so long as you agree not to oppose the Bill, why not say so formally ? After some conversation with the Surveyor, the Chairman said that he did not see any harm in acceping the terms in Mr Linekar's letter. Mr Hugh Hughes: I will second the resolution. The motion was carried. THE COUNCIL AND THE COWLYD BOARD. In obedience to the direction of the Council, the Clerk (Mr James Porter) had written to the Local Government Board as follows:—"Municipal Buildings, Colwyn Bay, 14th January, 1896.—Sir,—The above Council is one of the con- stituent authorities of the Conway and Colwyn Bay Joint Water Supply Board, and previous to January, 1895, three members were elected by the then Local Board as members of the Joint Board by a resolution which did not specify the period for which they were appointed. However, they served the full term of three years provided by the Provisional Order forming the Joint Water Board. In January last. three members were elected as members of the Joint Board by a similar resolution. that is, without specifying the period tor which they were elected. Clause 9 of the Provisional Order (copy herewith) provides that no member of any Constituent Authority shall be made a member of the Joint Board tor a longer period than three years. Having regard to the previous appointments, it is thought that the appointment in January last was for three years. but, as there appears to be some doubt about the matter, I have been instructed to request the opinion of your Board, and I shall feel much obliged it you will favour me with that opinion as early as possible, as the matter will be brought forward at an adjourned meeting of the Council on Tuesday next.-I am, your obedient servant, JAMES PORTER." Mr Amphlett now read the Local Government Board's reply, which was as follows:—"Local Government Board, Whitehall, S. VV., 20th January, 1896.—Sir,—I am directed by the Local Government Board to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, requesting their opinion as to the period for which the representatives of the Colwyn Bay and Colwyn Urban District Council on the Conway and Colwyn Bay Joint Water Supply Board will remain in office, and to state in reply that, as no period was mentioned in the resolu- tion appointing them, each of the members elected in January last will continue in office until the expiration of a period ot three years from the date of his election. or until he resigns, or dies, or becomes disqualified or ceases to be a member of the District Council, or until he becomes an ex-officio member of the Joint Board, whichever shall first happen.-I am, sir, your obedient servant, CH. DALTON, Assistant Secretary. -J. Porter, Esq, Clerk to the Urban District Council ot Colwyn Bay and Colwyn." Mr W. Davies thought that the Clerk's letter was not satis- factory. A copy of thp minute appointiug the first representa- tives should have been sent with it. He demanded the production of those minntes. The minutes were produced and read, and were as follows: —" The following were appointed members of the Cowlyd Board." Mr Davies (gleefully) There is no time specified. After some conversation, Mr Davies proposed "That we send word to the Local Government Board that the members of the Cowlyd Board were only appointed for one year." Mr Robert Evans I understood so. Mr Hugh Hughes Bnt they have given their ruling io that letter. Mr Robert Evans: 011. but I don't agree with the letter the Clerk sent them at all. I may say this leads the Local Government Board to a reply to us. This is telling them how to reply to us. [It ought to be observed here that Messrs Venables- liams, John Porter, George Bevan, and John Roberts had left the room before this discussion was opened, the members left being the Chairman, and Messrs Owen Williams, Hugh Hughes, Robert Evans, and William Davies.] Mr Hugh Hughes You blame the Clerk for writing to the Local Government Board, but what better could the Clerk do? The Chairman: Are you ready to propose a resolution ? Mr William Davies "That we, the majority at any rate of the Board, appoint these men on the understanding that they were only appointed for the next twelve months." Messrs Owen Williams and Robert Evans seconded the motion, which was carried. THE MAIN ROADS. A letter was read from the County Council Main Roads Committee, offering the Council a sum of £+6:> in full settle- ment of their claim for £7CX> odd on account of main roads, and also offering for the future to pay the Council r405 per annum for repairing the main roads. The Surveyor remarked that Z405 per annum was at the rate of Zqo per mile. It %vas decided to insist on payment of the full claim Of)6700 odd. CONGO INSTITUTE. News h is been received of the safe arrival of the three returned students who left the Institute for Africa last October. It is very encouraging to all who have helped these young Africans to find that they cherish such good feelings towards the Institute and all their friends in this country on their return home. Without the confidence and friendship of the African much good cannot be done to him, and this is essential also for the development of his country, and therefore also for the development of every enterprise carried on by England in Africa. Subjoined are copies of letters written by Joseph T. Burnley and Alfred Dibundu, on their respective arrivals at Victoria (Cameroons), Akwa Town (Caineroons) and from Henry's father:- "Native Mission, Victoria, Ambis B ly, West Africa, Nov. 39ch, 1895. -My Dear Mr Hughes,—It gives me very great pie tsure for having this oppor- tunity of reporting to you, my safe arrival at home. Allow me, Sir, to thank you, your Committee and kin,l supporters, for your kind support afforded to me during my short but profitable stay at your noble Institute. A stay which will not be readily forgotten, and I hope one which will by the grace of God assist me to carry out the desire of my heirt, viz to preach and live the Gospel of my Blessed Master Jesus to my long neglected brethren. To tell them about that Child Jesus whom Egypt gave shelter and deliverance from the cruel sword of Herod,—of the .VI an of S Jrrows, who wis assisted by one of Afric's sons to 0 Lrry His cross,-And of that glorious con- quest which was won on that Cross for the whole world, for the Blackmen as well as for the White, for the Africans as well as for the Europeans. And I am longing for that time when our more favoured brethren in Kurope will be convinced of this indispu- table fact that Fleecy locks and d irk complexion cannot forfiet Nature's Claim." That though black as Cain, "we" can be refined and join the angelic train. "That God has of one blood made all the nations of the world, that although we have been among the pots, yet by the grace of God shall become like the wings of a dove covered with silver and our feathers with yellow gold." I am very thankful to God that a gOùdluny of His devotel children are beginning to realize this fact. It has been rightly said, that themittjr of cultivating selfreliance (in the Africans) should he seriously considered. And I have no doubt that it is seriously and prayerfully considered by you who have the management of the Congo Institute. You will by the help of Got render a great service to Africa. My earnest prayer is that the Lord may grant unto you all needful knowledge and wisdom to train all those who are under your care, in the way that will be worthy of His name, and creditable t) the Institute. I am very thankful th tt I acquired a trade, because, owing to the state I met our Church in, I have found it necessary for me t) imitate the greatest of all missionaries, to work with my hands for my supp )1.t an,i help on the cause of my Master voluntarily. Pray for me, that I may be able to endure hardships for the salva- tion of souls, and the glory of God. Remember me kindly to Rev J. Brasted and his wife. I will try and write them as soon as I find it convenient. Also to all at the Institute and enquiring friends. Kindiy send me illY machine as soon as pos- sible. I mast now close, with love and every good wish. Believe me, Dear Mr Hughes, to be yours Faithfully, (Lgl), JOSEPH T. BURNLEY.—To Revd. W. Hughes, P.R.G.S., Congo Institute, Colwyn Bay, N. Wales." Akwa Town, Cameroon River, Nov. 29th, 1895.- Dear Mr Hughes, I am exceedingly glad to inform you of my safe arrival at home last week, together with Joseph, for the Steamer did not call at Victoria, so he was obliged to land and stay with me for five days. He preached last Sunday at our Chapel, and had a very crowded audience. I am announced to preach next Sunday and to address the Sabbath School. I cannot tell you of the grand reception I had; the best food is being prepared for me daily. Joseph's address to the congregation seemed to give spirit to the people. About the Hymns; I see that the Church at present is unable to help the Committee with the Hymns owing to the great extension of the work. I doubt whether they will be able to support me. So I beg of you to see about a Camera and the rest of photographing apparatus, so that I may be able to support myself. Thousands have been to me already wishing me to take their photos, but returned with regret when they learned that I had'nt a camera, Ac. I hope that you will see to it, that I get it as soon as possible. I cannot express to you how thank- ful I am to you for all you have done and are doing for me and my country-people. May the Lord richly bless you in your labour. Remember me to all in Colwyn Bay and those that attend our Services, also to those at the Institute. I will write you fully after visiting the various Stations.—I am, yours fraternally, ALFRED DIBUNDU." "Duke Town, Old Calabar, 15th November, 1895.— Revd Dear Mr Hughes,—Just dropping you a few lines to inform you of Henry's safely arrival here on the 12th inst. We were so much rejoicing indeed of his safe arrival, and have to thank you very much for your kindness and the care taken of him during his stay in the Institute. May the Lord reward you and continually blessing you and the good work. I have also got your letter dated on the 5th ultimo and the other paper dated on the 12th of the same month stating and recommendation of his being a very good student and hai made a wonderful progress during his stay in the Institute. It were very much gratified us so to hear it. Time does not permit me just now to write more, so I must now stop. With our united kindly regards, Sincerely yours, WM. H. COBHAM."